Cole said he's pretty sure he's the only sheriff from Missouri at the National Sheriffs' Association conference, which he described as productive.

According to Cole, some of the topics discussed include federal forfeiture, a federal program to give surplus equipment to local law enforcement, and immigration reform.

Cole explained that there have been changes recently that allow sheriff's offices to hold people who are in the country illegally without any liability for a possible violation of the Fourth Amendment. Cole said that's because the federal government will assume that liability.

In practical terms, Cole said that if his deputies interact with someone who is in the country illegally, the Christian County Jail could hold that person for federal authorities.